The Welsh Borders is known for its defensive castles and abbeys. Goodrich Castle, one of the most spectacular is only 4 miles from Upper Trereece, whilst the beautiful Tintern Abbey is about 15 miles to the south.

Goodrich Castle

You won't get the best impression of Goodrich from the main road to Ross so turn up into the village and take the short (400m) walk up from the car park (and excellent new café/shop) up to the castle proper. This first section is suitable for wheelchairs and you won't need to pay an entrance fee. Just reaching this point gives some excellent photographs.The castle is an English Heritage site (free for members) and includes an excellent audio guide. Make sure that you go in all the nooks and crannies and climb all the steps, you'll feel like you're back in the Middle Ages.

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey (Welsh: Abaty Tyndyrn) was founded by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow, on 9 May 1131. It is situated adjacent to the village of Tintern in Monmouthshire, on the Welsh bank of the River Wye, which forms the border between Monmouthshire in Wales and Gloucestershire in England. It was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales. Falling into ruin after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the remains were celebrated in poetry and often painted by visitors from the 18th century onwards. In 1984 Cadw took over responsibility for the site.